About a month ago, a good friend invited me to a show for an artist I had more recently discovered and was pleasantly impressed by. Nearly a year ago at this point, MIKE and fellow tour mates Niontay and El Cousteau blessed us with track accompanied by popular artist Earl Sweatshirt. The song being dropped by Niontay and featuring the others was my first introduction to MIKE as well as Cousteau. The track titled “Real Hip-Hop" came with punching 808s, a deep low melody and chords that sounded like a PS2 era Tomb Raider dungeon theme. Perfect song to bump with something in rotation for those that partake. Simply put: its good music. So, when I was presented with opportunity to see some great live music, of course I took it. And although I wasn’t expertly versed in any of their discographies by this point the experience was definitely unforgettable. Creative and truthful are just a couple words that don't even begin to describe the performances that night from everyone. Sets that night opened with Detroit's own Ziggy Waters. Hyper pop ghetto tech is how I’d like to describe their sound with some Motown flare. The set concluded with one of the best live guitar solos I've ever heard.

El Cousteau graced the stage next donning a shimmering top with black bell bottoms he was tough to take your eyes off of. And, to no surprise, the music and performance matched his visual aesthetic, but maybe not in the way you're thinking. I spoke with the DC native a bit after the show to talk about his performance, style inspiration and touring with MIKE. Q: "How do you feel about your performance in Detroit tonight?

Cousteau: "This shit like that, I’m fuckin’ with Detroit. Detroit got love. It slick remind me of home, you feel me. “

I complemented him how I could feel the thought behind his performance. I felt he was able to express his artistry in a way that was unique to him and also made for an amazing live experience given the tempo, swagger and lyrics of his music. A very mainstream sound made unique by a regional accent (DC) combined with current underground production attributes. His music feels like something enjoyers of music whose tastes are geared toward a more modern sound, as well as those who prefer a different age in rap, would also appreciate. Something for those who like to roll one up after an eight hour shift as soon as they get home. Perfect for those who want to rage in the pit.

Q: "Do you have any inspirations that you hope reach people when you perform?

Cousteau: “My mother. My mother my fashion inspo. She like that, she fly as shit” The silver sequins button up shit with the black bell bottoms and chunky loafers was an amazing outfit choice. And seeing him come out and perform with the energy and his brand of music was a sight to see indeed. An artist I hope I can continue to see grow. Niontay and 454 rounded out stellar opening acts for the main artist, MIKE. My initial thoughts having limited knowledge on MIKE‘s music, was that it would be enjoyable. There were a lot of upbeat songs in hic catalog that I figured would get the crowd moving and a good amount that were more chill songs that you could smoke and vibe to. Ultimately, I had no idea what he would be like as a performer, but I was pleasantly surprised by his set. What stood out most to me about MIKE's set was how well he engaged the crowd as well as his passion and voice bursting thru in his vocal performance. I felt he performed more of his slower tempo songs but was able to keep the crowd captivated by the sheer passion he displayed while performing. A captivating performance was capped off by an amazing stand in solidarity for the people of Palestine. Donning the Palestinian flag on his back he made his way into the crowd for the final song he would perform; The last song from his 2022 project “Beware the Monkey”, appropriately titled “Closing Credits”. An awesome display of how those with influence can use their voice to shine light on truly important topics in life. If you weren’t rooting for the guy based off his love for music, how could you not like someone who stands in unwavering confidence in their morals. I was able to get a few words with MIKE after the show about touring, his newfound commercial success and his thoughts on where he might be headed in the future.

Q:”More recently you’ve started to see some ‘commercial’ success with your music, how do you feel about your progress and where your headed?

MIKE: “It’s love, I mean I’m honestly excited to be doing this with all the homies and shit. I didn’t even think it would get this crazy so, at the moment its kind of all up in the air so.”

Q: “How do you feel about the most recent project you just dropped with Tony?” (Pinball with Tony Seltzer)

MIKE: “I love it. That shit when we were making it, it was just for fun it wasn’t even supposed to be anything...But we have double the amount of tracks and we just dropped that as like a first collab." My first MIKE concert shall certainly not be my last and I’m eager to watch the unorthodox, east coast MC continue to grow as an artist.

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